Copenhagen is a city that feels effortlessly cool yet warmly welcoming, a place where modern design lives side by side with fairytale castles and cobblestoned streets. In this city of contrasts, you’ll find historic palaces and cutting-edge cuisine, tranquil parks and buzzing neighbourhoods, timeless canals and bicycles everywhere you look. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, the Danish capital offers experiences that are both iconic and delightfully unexpected. From strolling along the colourful harbourfront of Nyhavn to soaking up the magic of Tivoli Gardens, here are our top 10 things to do in Copenhagen that will give you a true taste of the city’s charm.
1. Rent a bike and explore at your own pace
Experience Copenhagen’s fantastic cycle culture on your own two wheels. With bike lanes that outnumber car lanes and locals who practically grow up in the saddle, cycling here isn’t just transportation, it’s a way of life. Bikes are easy to rent from shops and hotels across the city, so you can set off at your own pace and experience the joy of seeing Copenhagen the way Copenhageners do. Pedal along the sparkling harbourfront and pause at Nyhavn for a coffee, detour through leafy parks, or wind your way into quirky neighbourhoods.
Bicycle in Copenhagen
2. Wander along historic Nyhavn
No visit to Copenhagen is complete without a wander through Nyhavn, the city’s most iconic waterfront. Once a bustling port lined with sailors and taverns, today its colourful 17th-century townhouses and historic wooden ships create a picture-perfect scene. Best visited in the morning before the area gets too busy, enjoy a stroll along the cobblestone quay, stop for a coffee or a cold Danish beer at one of the many outdoor cafés, and soak up the lively atmosphere as street musicians play and boats glide by. Whether you’re snapping photos of the candy-coloured facades or simply lingering by the water, Nyhavn has a timeless charm that makes it one of Copenhagen’s most beloved spots.
Colourful buildings of Nyhavn
3. Join a boat tour of Copenhagen’s waterways
Seeing Copenhagen from the water offers a whole new perspective on the city’s charm. Depart from Nyhavn for a boat tour along the canals drifting past centuries of history and modern design, from the spires of Christiansborg Palace to the sleek curves of the Copenhagen Opera House. Glide beneath low stone bridges, watch cyclists zipping along the harbourfront, and catch a glimpse of the Little Mermaid from the water. Whether you join a guided tour or hop on a relaxed harbour cruise, exploring by boat is as much about the atmosphere as the sights, offering a serene and scenic way to experience Copenhagen.
Copenhagen by boat, Credit: Daniel Rasmussen/Visit Copenhagen
4. Explore Rosenborg Castle and Kongens Have (King’s Garden)
Step back into Denmark’s royal history with a visit to Rosenborg Castle, a fairytale-like fortress set among the leafy lawns of Kongens Have, the King’s Garden. Built in the early 1600s by King Christian IV, the castle houses the glittering Danish Crown Jewels and royal treasures, each room more lavish than the last. After exploring the opulent halls and ornate chambers, wander outside into the gardens, where the castle’s grand architecture is framed by one of the city’s most beloved green spaces. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the meticulously manicured King’s Garden, admiring the tree-lined avenues, brightly coloured flowerbeds and plush lawns which are frequented by locals enjoying picnics.
Rosenborg Castle and gardens, Credit: Aske Jørgensen/Visit Copenhagen
5. Lose yourself in the vintage nostalgia of Tivoli Gardens
Tivoli Gardens is where Copenhagen feels most like a fairytale. Opened in 1843, this enchanting amusement park blends old-world charm with a dash of whimsy. Expect twinkling lights strung through leafy avenues, graceful gardens, and rides that range from gentle carousels to the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster still in operation. Beyond the attractions, Tivoli is alive with atmosphere: outdoor concerts in summer, lanterns glowing against the night sky, and seasonal magic when it transforms for Halloween and Christmas. Whether you’re here for the thrill of the rides, a leisurely stroll among the flowers, or simply to soak up the nostalgic charm, Tivoli Gardens is a place that captures the imagination of both children and adults.
Tivoli Amusement Park & Gardens, Credit: Anders Bøgild/Visit Copenhagen
6. Watch the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace
Amalienborg Palace offers a glimpse into Denmark’s royal heart, with its elegant rococo facades arranged around a grand cobblestone square. Home to the Danish royal family, the palace is most alive at noon, when the Royal Guard marches through the city and gathers for the daily changing of the guard. The rhythmic footsteps, crisp uniforms, and ceremonial precision make it a must-see spectacle, set against the backdrop of one of Copenhagen’s most beautiful landmarks. Between the pageantry, take time to admire the palace’s stately architecture, or step inside the Amalienborg Museum to explore centuries of royal history.
Royal Guards at Amalienborg Palace
7. Marvel at the grandeur of the Marble Church
Rising high above the city’s skyline, the Marble Church, officially known as Frederik’s Church, is one of Copenhagen’s most striking landmarks. Its vast copper-green dome, one of the largest in Europe, crowns a graceful neoclassical design that feels both grand and serene. Step inside and you’ll find a soaring interior filled with soft light and intricate detail, a peaceful retreat just steps from bustling Amalienborg. Whether admired from afar as part of the cityscape or explored up close, the Marble Church is a highlight for lovers of architecture and atmosphere alike.
Marble Church, Credit: Daniel Rasmussen/Visit Copenhagen
8. Lose yourself in the unique Christiania District
Step into the colourful world of Freetown Christiania, Copenhagen’s alternative neighbourhood with a spirit all its own. Founded in the 1970s, this self-governed community is known for its bold street art, quirky houses, and laid-back vibe. Wander through its winding paths to discover murals splashed with colour, open-air cafés, and creative workshops. Christiania may be unconventional, but that’s exactly its charm, an unpolished, bohemian corner of the city where creativity and community take centre stage.
Freetown, Christiania, Credit: Kim Wyon/Visit Denmark
9. Stop by the Little Mermaid statue & historic Kastellet fortress
A short stroll from the harbour brings you to one of Copenhagen’s most iconic sights: the Little Mermaid, visit early in the morning to beat the crowds. Perched on her rock, this modest yet world-famous statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen has been greeting visitors for over a century. Just nearby lies Kastellet, a beautifully preserved star fortress constructed in the 17th century by King Charles IV, where grassy ramparts, old barracks, and peaceful paths create a quiet escape from the city bustle.
Windmill at Kastellet fortress, Credit: Mellanie Gandø/Visit Copenhagen
10. Delve into Copenhagen’s museums
Copenhagen’s museums offer a chance to dive deep into the city’s culture and creativity. The National Museum brings Denmark’s history to life with Viking treasures and royal relics, while the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek showcases everything from ancient sculptures to French Impressionists in a stunning winter garden setting. For a dose of modern flair, the Danish Architecture Centre and Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (just outside the city) highlight the innovation and design Denmark is known for. Whether you’re drawn to history, art, or cutting-edge ideas, the city’s museums provide an inspiring way to spend an afternoon.
Danish Museum of Science and Technology, Credit: Daniel Rasmussen/Visit Copenhagen
